Cahya Khairani Kusumawulan, the CEO of Dian Indah Abadi and the owner of Beauty Latory, shared her inspiring journey as an entrepreneur during a guest lecture on Technopreneurship Dynamics for students in the Entrepreneurship Study Program at the SBM ITB, on July 28. She emphasized the importance of consistency in progress, striving to perform at one’s best, and maintaining long-term commitments as essential qualities for entrepreneurs.
She encouraged students to be aware of opportunities, take bold actions, and remain dynamic and creative in their innovation, whether related to materials, packaging, or new product ideas. She also emphasized the importance of entrepreneurs being directly involved in their businesses. According to her, full engagement allows entrepreneurs to understand the business flow and how products reach consumers.
“We have to be involved in the business,” she said.
Cahya began her career at Wardah Cosmetics in the early 2000s. Starting as an employee, she faced various challenges and successes in the workplace and business environment. This experience proved to be a valuable asset when she decided to start her own business.
The PT Lunary Cahya Abadi, which she founded, operates in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, focusing on the production of personal care and beauty products. The business didn’t grow immediately. She started small, relying on collaboration and continually striving to meet the growing demand for cosmetics. Thanks to hard work and the courage to take chances, in 2023, her company successfully expanded its factory and now employs 136 employees.
PT Lunary Cahya Abadi is dedicated not only to pursuing profit but also to enhancing the health and empowerment of the people in Bandung and its surrounding areas. This mission aligns with Cahya’s life philosophy: “Beauty is a journey, not a destination; it’s about unveiling the masterpiece that you already are.” For her, beauty encompasses a continuous journey to nurture the inherent beauty within each person, rather than being seen as a final destination.
In the business world, Cahya believes that differentiation is essential for competing in a crowded market. For her, product design goes beyond mere aesthetics; it’s a strategy for creating emotional connections with customers.
“How do we set ourselves apart from the competition? Through innovation—innovations in materials, packaging, and more,” she said.
She shared a simple yet meaningful message with the students: “Big achievement starts from one step.” A reminder that great success always begins with the first step, no matter how small. Her story is proof that with courage, innovation, and consistency, every small step can grow into a great achievement.
